The Internet and the Library's Mission
The Internet is a global electronic network which enables libraries to provide access to a variety of electronic information resources. The New Woodstock Free Library may provide this access as a supplement to other electronic and non-electronic resources as part of its mission to provide information resources to meet the needs of the community, dependent upon available resources, expertise and ability to maintain such access. The library's endorsement of the ALA Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read, and Free Access to Libraries for Minors applies to access and use of electronic information. All established library policy applies to electronic information as well as non-electronic format information.

Statement of Parent/Guardian Responsibility
Parents or legal guardians are responsible for deciding what library materials and resources are appropriate for their minor children. Supervision or restriction of a child's access to the Internet, as well as other library resources, remains the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. The library does not, and cannot, act in loco parentis. The library will not assume responsibility for monitoring or supervising a child's use of electronic information resources.

Appropriate Use and Disclaimer
All users of electronic resources are expected to use those resources in a responsible and ethical manner, consistent with the rules and policies of the library, and for minors, consistent with parent or legal guardian guidance and oversight.

The availability of networked information via library terminals does not constitute the library's or Mid-York's endorsement of the content of that information. The library cannot control the accuracy, truthfulness, reliability, validity or usefulness of information found on the Internet, nor the accuracy of links or availability of sites; nor can the library control content on the Internet which some may find offensive. The library and Mid-York System do not warrant information found on the Internet to be accurate, authoritative, factual, timely or useful for patrons' purposes. As with other information sources, patrons themselves must evaluate the validity and quality of information found at the library and elsewhere. If any patron believes information obtained via library terminals is inaccurate or offensive, the patron should contact the original producer or distributor of the information, not the library staff.

Patrons are not permitted to use terminals for any illegal or criminal purpose, including, but not limited to, accessing legally obscene materials, sexual harassment, harassment or stalking, violation of computer system security, unauthorized use of computer accounts or access codes, obstruction or disruption of other people's work, violation of copyright or software licensing restrictions; users may not install or download software, violate another user's privacy, or in any manner misuse the system in violation of other applicable library policy.

The library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility arising from the access to or use of information or other content obtained through electronic information systems, including the Internet, and encompassing any activities by a user found to be illegal, or any consequences thereof. Patrons violating this policy shall lose their privilege to access electronic resources, be responsible for all costs arising from damage to equipment, software or information resources, and may be subject to civil and/or criminal prosecution.

Privacy Limitations
Due to the public locations of terminals, and given the nature of the software in use, patron's privacy when using electronic information resources is not assured. Patrons are advised to presume that use of electronic resources in a public place will not be private or protected from monitoring, misuse or snooping. Patrons are advised to avoid giving out personally identifying information.

Restrictions and Limits
Whenever other patrons are waiting to use electronic resources, patrons will limit their use to 30 minutes per session, and one session until all individuals waiting have been served. The library will establish reasonable use procedures from time to time, as demand and available resources require for equitable and orderly use. Printouts will be charged at the same rate as photocopies.

It is the responsibility of the patrons to familiarize themselves with all rules and procedures for use of electronic resources, hardware and software, before accessing the systems. Patrons must heed all posted instructions, warnings and procedures.

Staff Internet Assistance
Assistance to individuals using resources will be very limited. It will be the responsibility of users to learn effective and safe use of hardware and software, search techniques and general computer use. It is recommended that patrons acquire formal training in computer and online services use before using the library equipment and Internet access facilities. Assistance provided by staff will not constitute endorsement of content or appropriateness of information (see above).

Procedures:
To promote orderly and fair use of electronic resources, each patron will sign an "Internet Use Sign-in sheet", which will include agreement to all rules and the Library's Internet and Electronic Resources Policy.

05/06/98